The day started like any other. The train was a standard freight run, transporting machinery, raw materials, and a particularly secure vault in car 3.

The train slowed as it approached a broad curve, maneuvering carefully. Martin adjusted some dials on the control panel to ensure the train stayed steady while Ethan leaned closer to the CCTV monitor.

“Martin, look at this,” Ethan said suddenly, his voice getting louder. Faint figures were moving along the raised bank of earth next to the train, and they were moving very slowly, which made Martin worry.

They had tools in their hands that glinted – crowbars, long rods, and other things Martin didn’t know.

The thieves moved precisely, forcing the heavy doors to car seven open. They were wearing dark clothes, and their faces were hidden in masks.

Turning back to the controls, Martin checked the alert system. The alert had been sent, and the next station was already responding.

He switched on the CCTV cameras, which showed the thieves moving through the train.

Martin pressed a button on the control panel. The coupler mechanism shook, opening slightly before snapping shut with great force. The thief yelped on the monitor as the crowbar bent and broke under pressure.

The door rattled as the leader hit it with the crowbar.

“Open up!” he shouted, his voice muffled but menacing. You won’t get out of this alive if you don’t.”

The door pounding got louder, and each strike could be felt in the control room. Martin grabbed the intercom and pressed the button. “Listen to me,” he said, his voice calm but firm. If you pull the emergency brakes, this train will derail. You’ll all die. Think about it.”

The leader looked over the corner briefly, seeing the station lights getting closer and closer.

The thieves ran off in different directions, trying to hide in the shadows and not be caught.

The leader dashed towards the far end of the station, his long strides carrying him towards what he thought was an open exit. One of his crew tried to jump onto the tracks, but a sharp whistle from an officer cut through the air, and a spotlight pinned him in place.

Two officers tackled him shortly after. Another thief ran towards a maintenance tunnel, but he was in the clear for just a moment. A team of officers quickly moved to block him.

A police officer jumped at him, grabbing his arm, and the two of them fell to the ground.

Seeing their leader had been stopped, the other thieves stopped in their tracks. They dropped to their knees, their hands raised in surrender as officers closed in. The platform, now lit up by flashing police lights, was filled with shouts and commands as the situation was controlled.

After the chaos, the station master approached Martin and Ethan on the platform. He looked both relieved and impressed. “You two stayed calm in a situation that could’ve gone wrong very quickly,” he said, clapping Martin on the shoulder. The police are handling the rest, but it’s thanks to you that this train made it here intact.”

Martin smiled, but he looked tired. “We’re just doing our job,” he replied, glancing back at the train. The vault, untouched in car 3, showed how well they had done. They had kept their cargo—and themselves—safe despite the chaos.

As the first light of dawn appeared, Martin and Ethan leaned against the train, feeling tired but proud. The night had been difficult, but they had got through it. The train’s regular engine sound meant they could travel more quickly in the future.